Thatscricket - News - Ex-Guj Ranji cricketer held under COFEPOSA

Surat: Former Gujarat Ranji Trophy cricketer Mohammed Ibrahim Hansia (52) was arrested under Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act (COFEPOSA) by the city police on Sunday.Police sources on June 5 that Hansia was arrested by the city police on Sunday following an order of Maharashtra government's Home Department. Hansia has been sent to the Central Jail in Mumbai.The sources said Hansia used to frequently go abroad and was allegedly involved in smuggling of gold and diamonds. In September 2000, Hansia was arrested at the Sahar International Airport in Mumbai with rough diamonds worth over Rs 2.85 crore.Police said he, however, managed to get bail and had been residing in Surat. However, COFEPOSA board had ordered the re-arrest of Hansia and the order was served by the prevention crime branch of the city.Surat District Cricket Association vice-chairman S A Raval said Hansia was a good player and had played under the captainship of Nari Contractor. He had represented Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy in the seventies and even played minor county cricket in Britain. UNI